Sleeve Button 1873 - 1876

Editor: This is a sleeve button created between 1873 and 1876 by the Union Porcelain Works. It seems to be made of ceramic with a relief sculpture of a turtle. What strikes me is how such a small, everyday object receives such detailed attention. What do you see in it? Curator: For me, this seemingly simple button speaks volumes about industrial production in the late 19th century United States. Union Porcelain Works was trying to compete with European manufacturers by emphasizing artistic design alongside mass production. Editor: So, this wasn't just about making functional items, but elevating them through design? Curator: Precisely! Think about the materials themselves: ceramic, maybe with the intent to imitate more precious ivory, transformed through labor into this small, repeatable object. It's no longer just a fastener; it becomes a symbol of industry, craftsmanship, and even aspiration. The turtle, too, chosen for its symbolism – endurance and longevity were qualities increasingly desired in an age of rapid industrial change. Where were these values produced? By who? Editor: I hadn’t considered the aspirations embedded within this tiny object, nor its connection to wider industrial currents! Thanks. Curator: Consider next time where material and values merge and labor, design, and utility converge within the broader social and economic contexts that shape our world. Editor: Absolutely!